Reflections: How Mirrors Make an Impact On Your Decor

by Jennifer Jones

Have you reflected on the size, shape and positioning of the mirrors in your home? Many homeowners do not realize the importance of a properly place mirror and how it can incredibly enhance the space. They can double the space that they reflect and add just the right amount of sparkle. They can be beautiful works of art and great conversation starters. Strategically placed mirrors can be the perfect way to improve any room in your home.

For centuries, mirrors have fascinated humankind. Beginning as reflections in a still pool of water, they evolved to precious stone and metal reflections owned only by the wealthy. The Romans first created glass mirrors around the first century AD. Over the years, humans begin to discover the multiple uses of the reflection. Many people attach a powerful lore to them, while others started using them for scientific purposes. Artists began creating with mirrors and using them in their endeavors. They have become a reflection of not only the outside, but also the inner soul and possibly other dimensions. From protective to reflective; to just checking your appearance, humans have been using mirrors for hundreds of years.

Feng Shui has become a Western world way of interior decorating. It began as an ancient Chinese system of properly keeping hold of positive energy. Feng Shui mirror placement done properly can harness the positive energy in your home. Mirrors attract energy to an area by adding light, expanding the space, and activating the Chi flow. They introduce the Feng Shui energy of the water element and bring a sense of refreshment and calm. The following decorating tips are to help ensure that your rooms will be filled with positive energy through mirror placement.

A good place to start when choosing mirrors in your home is considering the shape of a mirror. Round mirrors symbolize unity and wealth. Square and rectangle shapes are used to create balance and octagonal shapes present power. Try to use your mirror shape to imitate other shapes in the room. For example, a round mirror in the bathroom will echo the circular shapes commonly found in the sink and the tub.

It is also important to consider the frame materials of the mirror. Mirror frames can come in every conceivable furniture style and period. Frame finishes can be just about anything, the most popular including traditional woods, antique golds, metal and decorated finishes. The finish of the frame should match the level of formality or informality of the furniture in the room. Decoratively framed mirrors are most effective when placed in a position to capture the reflection of a beautiful scene or object. Beveled-edged mirrors work well in Traditional interiors because they are heavier and more substantial looking. Plain-edged mirrors look especially sleek in Contemporary settings.

Size is of considerable interest when placing a mirror in the home. Keep in mind that a mirror, like other art pieces, should not be wider than the furniture below it nor less than two-thirds the width. Living rooms are a great space for installing a super-large mirror. They can serve as art installations while opening up the space with the reflection of the room and creating more light. A hallway is another good spot for a large mirror. A hallway mirror will open up the area and help eliminate the confined feeling of the narrow space. If a mirror is too small to adequately fill the wall, consider adding paintings or other decorative elements on either side to enhance the area. Small mirrors strategically placed around each other can create an artistic effect and expand the space at the same time.

Once the mirror has been decided, it is crucial to understand the importance of placement and what the mirror will reflect. Mirrors placed in the home absorb or reflect positive and negative energy, so be sure that your mirrors reflect beautiful surroundings. It is good planning to position mirrors to pick up pleasing views of the outdoors whenever possible. Properly placed mirrors can allow for a stunning outdoor view for everyone in the room. They can reflect lovely pieces of art or be a focal point for the space. Others often reflect thoughts and actions back to us, just like mirrors reflect their images.

There are just a few more tips that are good to follow when picking and placing mirrors in the home. Be sure to hang the

Mirrors are interior decorating magic. They can serve as looking glasses, expand the space, brighten the area and reflect gorgeous views. When properly placed, mirrors will be beautiful additions to your home and ensure positive energy throughout each room.

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